Coup In Thailand

Thai soldiers manning a tank pass under a decorative archway featuring a portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. Army chief Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin, who led the coup ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, told a news conference that he would act as prime minister for two weeks until a new leader "who is neutral and upholds democracy" is found.

Credit: AP Photo/Ed Wray

Thailand's Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin smiles during a press conference in Bangkok Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006. Boonyaratkalin, who ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, that the fallen leader could be prosecuted for wrongdoing and said a post-coup interim government would retain power for no more than one year. A transitional government was to be formed in two weeks, the general said.

Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

A Thai soldier mans a machine gun position atop a Thai army tank Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006, outside Government House in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup on Tuesday night without a shot being fired. The coup leaders declared martial law, revoked the constitution and ordered all troops not to leave duty stations without permission from their commanders.

Credit: AP Photo/David Longstreath

A Thai man and his young daughter hand out roses to soldiers involved in the military coup Wednesday Sept. 20, 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. Army chief Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin, who led the coup ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, told a news conference that he would act as prime minister for two weeks until a new leader "who is neutral and upholds democracy" is found.

Credit: AP Photo/Ed Wray

Motorcyclists ride past Thai soldiers manning a tank after the military coup Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. The army commander who seized Thailand's government in a quick, bloodless coup pledged to hold elections by October 2007, and hinted that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra may face prosecution.

A Thai soldier, right, walks past politician Thawee Krikup, a former parliamentarian staging a one-man protest with banners saying 'I am on hunger strike against whoever demolished the country's democracy' at the democracy monument in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006. Soldiers later forced Thawee into a van after allowing him to protest for several hours.

Credit: AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong

A Thai soldier stands guard in front of a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej at a government building in Thailand's southern Yala Province, Sept. 20, 2006. Thailand's military suspended the constitution around the country and imposed martial law in Bangkok, a spokesman for the coup leaders said.

Credit: MUHAMMAD SABRI/AFP/Getty Images

Thai soldiers stand guard on military vehicles on Bangkok's main street, Sept. 20, 2006. Thailand's army leader took over the powers of the prime minister, after the military revoked the constitution and imposed martial law in Bangkok.

Credit: P. KITTIWONGSAKUL/AFP/Getty Images

Thai soldiers stand guard on a military tank in front of the Government House in Bangkok, Sept. 19, 2006. Thailand's military imposed martial law in Bangkok and revoked an emergency decree declared by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after staging a coup and taking control of the country.

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Delegates from Thailand listen to a speech during the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 19, 2006, at U.N. headquarters after the coup in their country. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra canceled his speech to the General Assembly on Tuesday evening.

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Thai soldiers ride on a tank next to Government House in Bangkok, on Sept. 19, 2006. The Thai military launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, circling his offices with tanks, seizing control of television stations and declaring a provisional authority loyal to the king.

Credit: AP Photo

Senior Thai military officer Maj. Gen. Prapass Sakuntanat announces on TV that a "Council of Administrative Reform" with King Bhumibol Adulyadej as head of state had seized power in Bangkok and nearby provinces without any resistance, Sept. 19, 2006. Thailand's military imposed martial law in Bangkok and revoked an emergency decree declared by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

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Thai soldiers ride on a tank next to Government House in Bangkok on Sept. 19, 2006. Rumors of the military coup swept the Thai capital after an army-owned television station suspended regular programming and played patriotic songs.

Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

Thais gather to watch as soldiers man a checkpoint in Bangkok on Sept. 19, 2006. The Thai military launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday night, circling his offices with tanks, seizing control of TV stations and declaring a provisional authority pledging loyalty to the king.

Credit: AP Photo/David Longstreath

Thai soldiers loyal to the king patrol a major intersection in downtown Bangkok on Sept. 19, 2006. The Thai military launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday, circling his offices with tanks, seizing control of television stations and declaring a provisional authority loyal to the king.